There is nothing more overwhelming then being a new mom. I remember walking the aisles of Babies R Us feeling like I was drowning. I only knew what a Diaper Genie was because I saw that episode of “Sex in the City” where they talked about it! I didn’t know what brands of diapers were best. Or what type of baby carrier would support my babies hips, or how long a car seat was made to last…
After three babies, I feel most of the baby selling consumer world is wrong! Don’t get overwhelmed mama. All that baby “stuff” is suppose to make your life easier, not stress you out! You probably don’t need every little thing. If you don’t have the bottle cleaner swifter, you can use a paper towel. Your baby won’t die! Exhale.
Some of the baby gear is essential, don’t get me wrong, so I am breaking down for you my Top 5 Must Haves, just to help all the mamas out there rummage through all the options, because I have probably tried them all. This list is supposed to help you feel educated and strong. You got this mama. You were designed for this. So strap on that baby and run the world!
1. Baby Carrier
You need one of these. There are plenty of options, and I don’t know what is your personal style. I know some moms that love the wraps or sling carriers, and thats just not me. If you know you would like that, go for it. I want something with a snap, a button. I don’t have the time to be wrapping a piece of cloth into a swing around my body. If you do, thats awesome. Many of my mom friends love the wraps, but I can’t speak into that through experience. I have tried the Baby Bijon and the Ergo. The Ergo is way more comfortable for you. Hands down my favorite. I like the Bjorn for baby babies, but once they get heavy, I find it kills my back and shoulders. The Ergo does a great job distributing your babies weight all over you. People now are swearing by the Tula, saying it is ‘better for your baby’ and the best thing ever. I have done my research, and baby wearing is great for your baby. There isn’t a magical carrier that is the best. I haven’t personally tried the Tula but have heard great things.
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2.Breast Pump and Supplies
If you are planning on nursing your baby (thats my vote), you need a pump. You can borrow one from a friend if you must, because they are pricey. And annoying. But they are essential if you want to go on a date, work out, have a job, or a life. Its not weird sharing one, because you can buy all the tubes and bottles new through an accessory kit— so you basically are just sharing the machine. My Medela Pump has lasted five children and its still sucking away! I have had three, and I have lent my pump to my family and friends. This thing gets the job done, and you can plug it in, or use batteries, so pumping in the car will be your best use of time mama!
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3. Stroller
Now a stroller is a must have item. So much thought goes into this. With my first baby, I got the big expensive Bugaboo. My parents got it for me as my big gift for having the first grandchild in our family. If you want to get a big fancy stroller, this thing is great, and six years later we use it everyday with Roman. It glides through the mall and is so lightweight. Once you get folding it down, (Watch YOUTUBE tutorial) it is stellar. If you are a jogger, hands down the BOB is your guy. This thing runs itself. I also love the cheap umbrella stroller for my toddler. It is so lightweight and invisible, fast and easy for getting in and out of the car and running a quick errand. For Roman, my third baby, my friend gave me her Peg Perego snap and go, and it is amazing. It’s lightweight and the infant carrier clicks right into it. There are a lot of options in the stroller department, and in my opinion all are good and you can’t really go wrong, it just depends on your lifestyle and what you will be using your stroller for on the day to day.
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4. Blankets and Sheets
Hands down, get Aden + Anais gear. They have bamboo blankets and sheets, that are so soft and light weight if you live in a hot climate. If you live in cooler temperatures, I suggest their regular line. I still use some of Stirling’s changing table sheets from six years ago! And they are still super soft. Aden + Anais carry crib sheets, changing table sheets, receiving blankets. All of the good stuff. And they have really cool colors and designs, and are so light and bright and airy, its everything you picture when you want to snuggle your little one in a cozy, soft, sweet blanket.
5. Diapers and Wipes
I’m sure every mother has an opinion of what brand of diapers they love. I say use different brands and figure out your favorite. In our household, we love basic old Pampers. They are soft. They have the yellow strip when they are newborns with the ‘wetness indicator’ so you can literally look at their diaper and see if you need to change it (the stripe turns blue). For wipes I love, love, love Honest wipes. They get the job done but seem to be the gentlest on that precious babies skin. I have tried many different brands of wipes, and I order a bunch of Honest Brand on Amazon every three weeks or so. Once you try them, you will never go back.
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I hope this helps you in some way. There are just my opinions from my personal experience. I wasn’t paid for this post by any brands, this is just me passing on what I’ve learned in the land of babes. xoxo
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